The Nation Newspaper

Tag: AUCHI POLY

  • Court restrains Auchi Poly from dismissing employee

    The National Industrial Court has restrained Auchi Polytechnic from suspending or terminating the services of Igbinosun Ese for alleged offence contained in a query from the institution.

    The court also restrained the Institution from interfering with the employment or duties of Ese, pending the determination of the motion on notice.

    The judge, Justice Peter Lifu, gave the order yesterday after hearing the ex-parte motion by V.O. Edegbenin, counsel to the claimant.

    Lifu said that he gave the order since injunction is an equitable remedy because he who come to equity must do so timeously.

    .Lifu adjourned the two cases to July 15 for the hearing of the motion on notice.

  • 95 Auchi Poly students remanded in prison

    Ninety-five part-time students of the Federal Polytechnic at Auchi in Edo State, have been remanded in prison custody.

    They were reportedly arrested last Thursday during a riot in the school, where 141 vehicles were allegdly destroyed, 48 computers atolen and other school property of vandalised.

    The vehicles belonged to the lecturers, who reportedly  scaled the fence to escape being beaten up by the students.

    Many of the students were not allowed into the examination hall, following the school’s “no school fees, no examination policy”.

    The students allegedly became riotous after police shot tear gas canisters to disperse their protest over the “no school fees, no examination” policy.

    Those arrested were arraigned for allegd conspiracy, unlawful assembly, rioting,robbery, stealing and malicious damage.

    Police Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, who visited the institution yesterday to assess the damage, described the incident as unfortunate and highest order of impunity.

    Ezike said the school library and computer laboratory were destroyed and vandalised.

    The police chief pledged to arrest other students who vandalised the school property.

    He said those charged to court would be remanded in prison custody till June 29, adding that the police had to fire teargas canisters to disperse the students when they set bonfire on the highway.

  • Auchi Poly…Breaking new grounds

    Auchi Poly…Breaking new grounds

    Last November 21, Auchi Polytechnic matriculated 91 students as the first set to begin various degree programmes in the 2014/2015 session.

    Dr Philipa Idogho, the rector of the polytechnic, said during the matriculation that the polytechnic would run the programmes in affiliation with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa.

    She recalled that the then Bendel State Government Technical College which was established in 1964 was upgraded and called Auchi Polytechnic in 1973.

    “It began with the mandate to train skilled manpower in engineering, sciences, environmental studies, business studies and art and design.

    “The polytechnic was taken over by the Federal Government in 1994 and it is currently running 63 programmes up to the Higher National Diploma.

    “It is the first polytechnic in the South-South geo-political zone of the country to be awarding degrees,” she said.

    The rector also said the institution had concluded plans to start the award of degrees in 11 disciplines.

    She claimed that the Senate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, had approved the affiliation after assessing the infrastructure and manpower in the affected disciplines.

    According to her, the programmes include Electrical/Electronics, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, Accounting, Building Technology, Estate Management and Education/Physics, among others.

    She also said the polytechnic management was expecting the National Universities Commission (NUC) to carry out an assessment of facilities and personnel of the institution.

    According to Idogho, the polytechnic can transmute into a university easily because of its emphasis on sound academic programmes and training of staff of the institution.

    “We are now in better stead to continue to improve on teaching and learning environment in the polytechnic.

    “The management of the polytechnic is determined to improve and sustain the ranking of the polytechnic among other institutions,” he said.

    With this achievement, observers note that the polytechnic has remained relevant in the education sector, promoting excellence and required manpower in all discipline.

    Commending the school authority for transforming the polytechnic, Mr Nyesom Wike, the former Supervising Minister of Education, said that the Federal Government remained committed to the development of technical and vocational education.

    Mr Mustapha Oshiobugie, the polytechnic’s spokesman, said: “It is the rector’s vision to make the polytechnic relevant to its immediate community and the country as a whole.

    “Her success story is visible in the upgrading of infrastructure, massive capacity building and productive management-student relationship, among other values.

    “During Idogho’s tenure, the polytechnic authority has constructed many well furnished offices and classrooms.

    “Also it has sponsored more than 80 per cent of both academic and non-academic to various conferences, seminars and workshops.

    “Before she came, we had only four Ph.D holders, but now we have more than 20 of them while more than 30 staff members of the institution are at their various stages of their Ph.D programmes,” he said.

    Sharing similar sentiments, Mr Geroge Okosun, the former Chairman, Auchi Polytechnic Academic Staff Union, said Idogho had “turned Auchi Polytechnic into a success story.”

    In the same vein, Mr Abdulwasiu Bukoye, a staff of the polytechnic, said he was impressed with the performance of the school authority.

    “I came here in 2009 not knowing anybody. I got my appointment on merit. I have several other persons that can attest to this. I understand this was not so easy before she came in.

    “I just hope she continues in this direction in addition with her development strides,” he said.

    Mr Vincent Okhani, the Dean of School of Environmental Studies of the polytechnic, described Idogho as a leader of men and resources.

    Appraising the performance of the institution, the rector observed that the school authority had made its modest contributions to the infrastructural transformation of Auchi Polytechnic.

    “Our target is to create a learning environment in which students do not struggle for use of lecture rooms; where our laboratories have the right equipment and facilities.

    “I am glad to note that, in general terms, our students perform competitively within prevailing national standards; they have won laurels at national mathematical and debate competitions.

    “Some of them easily pass the relevant professional examinations while yet in school, or soon after graduation.

    “Auchi Polytechnic has produced quality personnel for the construction, corporate, socio- economic, political and religious sectors of Nigeria.

    “Our products hold their heads proudly high wherever the spirit of enterprise, for which the institution is known, leads them,” she said.

    By and large, concerned citizens suggest that all education stakeholders and head of educational institutions at all levels should encourage the effective implementation of development programmes.

    According to them, stakeholders also ought to work effectively to offer solution to the challenges of implementation of the strategies to attain effective transformation.

    •Igbaugba is of the News Agency of Nigeria

  • Use computers to learn, Auchi Poly Rector urges students

    The Rector of the Auchi Polytechnic, Dr. Phillipa Idogho, has advised newly-admitted students to adopt the correct use of computers for learning.

    Speaking to the over 12,000 new students gathered at the school’s sport complex for the 32nd matriculation last Saturday, Dr Idogho said education is now going the way of electronic learning, therefore, students should be prepared, adding that the polytechnic has four electronic learning centers.

    She said: “As much as we have encouraged staff to be computer literate, it is also necessary that students begin to imbibe the correct use of computers for learning. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Nigeria Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) project has developed instructional materials in seven disciplines that can be downloaded.

    “These materials are available in building technology, computer science, quantity surveying, civil engineering technology, science laboratory technology and mechanical engineering technology. Please visit their websites at www.unesco-nigeriatve.”

    Dr Idogho congratulated the freshers on their admission and enjoined them to be conversant with the rules and regulations operating in the school.

    She, however, frowned at students that present fake credentials.

    “It is forbidden in this institution, the polytechnic has verification mechanisms for ensuring that students with fake credentials are detected. Know that when caught, the sanction is expulsion for presentation of fake credentials and rustication for examination malpractices,” she said.

    She assured the students that the management is determined to make the learning environment conducive for them so they can optimize their time for learning.

    “I urge you all to take full advantage of this priviledge of admission by working studiously to attain your goals and ambition in this institution. On our part, we will do all we need to make you men and women of character “she advised.

    Also at the event, the Student Union Government (SUG) led by the President, Comrade Sanni Kafeel, presented an educational award of excellence to the rector.

    “This award is being presented in appreciation for the laudable achievements you have made in the infrastructural, academic and human development of our great institution. Auchi Polytechnic under your leadership has reached tremendous goals.

    “On behalf of the executive members of the SUG and the entire Nigerian students of Auchi Polytechnic, I present this award for your contribution not only to Polytechnic but the development of education in Africa,” said Kafeel.

     

  • Ex-ASUP chair condemns attacks on Auchi Poly’s Rector

    A former Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) at the Auchi Polytechnic, Pastor Okosun George Okosun, has condemned what he called the sponsored attacks on the school’s Rector, Dr. PhiIipa Idogho.

    Okosun was reacting to a magazine’s story, which accused the rector and her husband, Dr. Idogbo, of running the institution as their personal estate.

    The former union leader described the allegations as products of a disenchanted and disgruntled group of people clamouring for the removal of the rector for no just cause.

    He said the incitement against the rector had become a blessing in disguise.

    Okosun said: “In Dr Idogho’s administration, overnight we see monumental growth and development of infrastructure simultaneously taking place on campuses with the construction of inter-connecting access road network within campuses stretching between Auchi-Ibie to Aviele axis, zooming out in Iyekhe Girls’ Grammar School’s gate like a holy cross.

    “Public expectation goes beyond destructive criticisms for which, if Sharia laws were to be evoked, that crooked hand of Esau but the voice of Jacob would have suffered outright amputation.”

  • Auchi Poly workers protest pay cut

    The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) and Non-Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (NASUP) of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, yesterday protest alleged “illegal” deductions from their salaries.

    The workers also protested the alleged failure of the management to enrol them on the Integrated Personnel Pay Roll Information System (IPPIS) and the non-payment of N400 million owed the unions by the management.

    The protesters marched on the streets of Auchi to the palace of the monarch, the Otaru.

    SSANIP Chairman Godwin Ikhide said the polytechnic’s management had been paying workers from welfare savings and union dues, which were deducted from their salaries.

    The union leader said the shortfall in workers’ salaries followed the inability of the management to enrol them on IPPIS.

    He said: “What has brought us out here is the non-compliance with the directive of the government  for the management of Auchi Polytechnic to key into IPPIS.

    “What that translates into is that we have been using our money to pay ourselves. This has been on ground and the management has an explanation. But the explanation given to us is that there is no financial backing to the current salaries in the polytechnic.

    “This is a government’s order, a government’s directive. So, if we say this problem can be solved, why not key into the system?”

    NASUP Chairman Andrew Oshiogbele said the union could no longer access loans from its purse because of the huge amounts already borrowed from the union’s account by the school’s management.

    Deputy Rector, Administration, Dr. Fred Aigboighale, confirmed that the school management owed the union N400 million.

    He said the school management had set up a committee to liaise with the Accountant-General of the Federation on when the IPPIS implementation would begin.

  • My score card, by Auchi Poly Rector

    My score card, by Auchi Poly Rector

    The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi (Auchi Poly) has been praised for its efforts to beautify the campus and make its road passable. The campus hosted a large number of visitors during its 21st Convocation last week.

    As they drove into the campus to attend the event, the visitors praised the Dr Philipa Idogho-led administration for improving on the infrastructure in the school.

    The authorities also broke the jinx of combined convocations, a feat many believed is a new dawn in the history of the institution.

    For a long time, the polytechnic was known to have a culture of combining convocations for two or three sets of graduands at the same time. This development often resulted in delayed issuance of certificates, a condition that made many of its graduates to look for jobs with letters of attestation from the school.

    Dr Idogho listed challenges the management faced to reposition the school, stating that they later became the tonic that propelled her into action to eliminate the problems. She said she was leaving the school better than she met it.

    She said: “Auchi Poly has, recently, been rated high among and this is evident in the geometric increase in the number of those seeking admission into the school. Also, the school consistently maintained its premium position on the Webometrix ranking index as the second best tertiary institution in Nigeria and on the polytechnics category, the school ranked best in Nigeria and in Africa.”

    Dr Idogho announced that the polytechnic won the Nuxart Art prize – arts exhibition on fabricated products competition among tertiary institutions in Nigeria, adding that it was the third time the school would be winning the prize.

    She revealed that polytechnic signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, on the award of degrees in 11 courses, including Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Civil Engineering and Accounting in a bid to enrich the school’s courses.

    “The Senate of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, after an assessment of the polytechnic’s facilities and infrastructure, approve the affiliation, which is pending before the National Universities Commission (NUC) to carry out an independent assessment of available facilities and manpower and certified the agreement as advised.

    “On the pursuit of academic excellence, the school will not relent in its attempt to institutionalise the culture of inaugural lectures. To this end, all chief lecturers with doctorate degrees engaged in teaching and research by the school must comply with directives and ensure they deliver their inaugural lectures in their respective fields. So far, only two accomplished scholars have performed this academic ritual, namely the late Dr Okhaishe Idokpesi and my humble self,”she added.

    She said the institution secured a working relationship with the University of Wolverhampton in the United Kingdom on the training of academic staff and students, noting that four academic staff had benefited from the gesture.

    The Rector promised that her administration would continue to prioritise security of life and property on the campus. She noted that the school had constructed seven speed breakers on the busy Auchi-Benin highway, which is notorious for accidents.

    In a convocation lecture titled: Climate change and biodiversity: Implications for national development, Prof Medina Kadiri of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) alerted policy makers to the dangers inherent in climate change.

    Kadiri, a former Edo State Commissioner of Environment and Mineral Resources, drew audience’s attention to the menace of flooding, erosion and other ecological problems, saying: “We must stop paying lip service to these dangerous signals and begin to act proactively to forestall the weather disaster.”

    The occasion featured the conferment of fellowship awards on deserving recipients, including a former High Commissioner to Canada, Ambassador Aziz Garuba; Ogbashi of Auchi Kingdom, Alhaja Zulietu Abu Momoh and the traditional ruler of Igueben, Okaigun of Esanland, Ehizogie Eluojerior.

    Dignitaries who graced the event included representatives of the Minister of Education Nyesom Wike and Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, royal fathers, rectors, chairman and members of the school Governing Council, among others.

  • OAU tops web rankings

    The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, is on top of the latest rankings of the best universities in Nigeria and eighth in Africa.

    According to the rankings computed by the Cybermetrics Lab of Spain, the research council that manages the Webometric world rankings of universities, OAU leads the ranking of 125 institutions rated in Nigeria.

    Nine other institutions in the top 10 of the rankings released last Monday are The Federal Polytechnic, Auchi (AUCHI POLY), University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUUNAB), Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

    A release by the Public Relations Officer of institution, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, noted that while the university has maintained its position as the first in Nigeria, it has moved up seven places in Africa in the latest rankings.

    Reacting, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bamitale Omole, attributed the feat of his administration to the unparalleled research output, administrative acumen, technical know-how of workers and focused leadership.